Gaming system and apparatus for consecutive ascending awards

ABSTRACT

A method, provided for use with a gaming machine, comprises determining that a bonus play condition is satisfied based on execution of base games by players resulting in base play outcomes, executing a free play based on the bonus play condition to create a free play outcome, determining that a second free play condition is satisfied, executing a second free play based on the free play condition to create a second free play outcome, determining that the second free play outcome is equal or superior to the first free play outcome, updating an additional free plays probability, executing at least another free play based on the updated probability, determining that a free play end condition is met, and displaying results associated with the first free play outcome, the second free play outcome, and an outcome associated with the at least one more of the plurality of free plays.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments described herein relate generally to gaming machinesand, more particularly, to systems and methods for providingconsecutively ascending awards.

At least some known gaming machines provide a base game and a bonusgame. For example, a bonus game may include free plays that areassociated with a probability of a payout and do not require a player todeposit money or credits to the gaming machine. A bonus game may betriggered by a condition, such as a particular combination of symbolsassociated with a base play outcome in the base game.

Executing free plays creates free play outcomes, which may be winning(e.g., associated with a payout) or non-winning. At least some knowngaming machines present both outcomes to the player. The player does nothave a guarantee of an increasing award, regardless of symbolcombinations, bet amounts wagered, or the like. Moreover, despite highplayer anticipation, such gaming machines typically present short bonusgames that last a few seconds, or cumulatively a few minutes. Typicalwin amounts are small, since the game does not last long enough orpresent increasing awards that would accumulate into a larger pot. Thiscauses diminished player interest and results in a lower likelihood ofthe gaming machine being utilized for a long period of time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, a gaming machine includes a non-transitory memory device,and processor coupled to the non-transitory memory device and apresentation device. The processor is programmed to determine that abonus play trigger condition is satisfied based on an execution of abase game resulting in a base play outcome of a plurality of base playoutcomes, execute a free play of a plurality of free plays based on thebonus play trigger condition to create a free play outcome of aplurality of free play outcomes, determine that a free play terminationtrigger condition is met; execute an additional free play of theplurality of free plays if the free play termination trigger conditionis not met to create an additional free play outcome, terminate the freeplay game if it is determined that the free play termination triggercondition is met, sort, in ascending order, the payout amount of thefree game outcomes, discarding the non-winning outcomes, and display, onthe presentation device, results associated with the sorted free playoutcomes.

In another aspect, a method is provided for use with a gaming machine.The gaming machine comprises a processor, a presentation device, and anon-transitory memory device coupled to said processor. The methodcomprises determining that a bonus play trigger condition is satisfiedbased on an execution of a base game resulting in a base play outcome ofa plurality of base play outcomes, executing a free play of a pluralityof free plays based on the bonus play trigger condition to create a freeplay outcome of a plurality of free play outcomes, determining that afree play termination trigger condition is met; executing an additionalfree play of the plurality of free plays if the free play terminationtrigger condition is not met to create an additional free play outcome,terminating the free play game if it is determined that the free playtermination trigger condition is met, sorting, in ascending order, thepayout amount of the free game outcomes, discarding the non-winningoutcomes, and displaying, on the presentation device, results associatedwith the sorted free play outcomes.

In yet another aspect, a gaming system includes a gaming server and agaming machine coupled in communication with the gaming server. Thegaming server is configured to determine that a bonus play triggercondition is satisfied based on an execution of a base game by a playerresulting in a base play outcome of a plurality of base play outcomes,determine that a bonus play trigger condition is satisfied based on anexecution of a base game resulting in a base play outcome of a pluralityof base play outcomes, execute a free play of a plurality of free playsbased on the bonus play trigger condition to create a free play outcomeof a plurality of free play outcomes, determine that a free playtermination trigger condition is met; execute an additional free play ofthe plurality of free plays if the free play termination triggercondition is not met to create an additional free play outcome,terminate the free play game if it is determined that the free playtermination trigger condition is met, sort, in ascending order, thepayout amount of the free game outcomes, discarding the non-winningoutcomes, and display, on the presentation device, results associatedwith the sorted free play outcomes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary gaming machine;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary electricalarchitecture that may be used with the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block schematic diagram of an exemplary gaming system thatincludes a plurality of gaming machines shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 4 is a flowchart that illustrates an exemplary method forpresenting consecutive ascending free play outcomes during game play atthe gaming machine shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary embodiments of systems and methods for use in presentingconsecutively ascending awards on free plays on a gaming machine (e.g.,free spins on a mechanical or electronic reel game) are describedherein. Such embodiments may enhance an entertainment aspect of the gameby providing consecutively ascending award amounts. In an exemplifiedembodiment, the base game is a mechanical reel-spinning game, and thebonus game is a free-spin feature. Although the game system features aredescribed using this configuration, the game system is not limited tothis one game type. The consecutively ascending awards feature can beimplemented on a standalone game machine or in a network of a gameserver connected to multiple game machines. The game serverimplementation is advantageous in that there is a single point ofaccounting control so that all extra games awarded, winning andnon-winning, can be stored and audited for legal compliance. The serverimplementation also allows for flexibility in adjusting the bonus gameplay parameters, within legal limits, to create different “feels” fordifferent players although the game is the same. That is, a player whoprefers a higher volatility game can be identified (via a player loyaltycard, for example), and the game adjustment parameters may besubstituted for the default values. This way, each game or group ofgames can be tailored to the preference of that player. The dynamiccontrol of game properties requires the connectivity to the game serverand the player database server.

Exemplary technical effects of systems and methods described hereininclude at least steps to: (a) determine that a bonus play triggercondition is satisfied based on an execution of a base game resulting ina base play outcome of a plurality of base play outcomes, (b) execute afree play of a plurality of free plays based on the bonus play triggercondition to create a free play outcome of a plurality of free playoutcomes, (c) determine that a free play termination trigger conditionis met, (d) execute an additional free play of the plurality of freeplays if the free play termination trigger condition is not met tocreate an additional free play outcome, (e) terminate the free play gameif it is determined that the free play termination trigger condition ismet, (f) sort, in ascending order, the payout amount of the free gameoutcomes, discarding the non-winning outcomes, and (g) display, on thepresentation device, results associated with the sorted free playoutcomes.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary gaming machine 100 thatfacilitates presenting consecutively ascending free play outcomes.Gaming machine 100 may be any type of gaming machine, and may include,without limitation, different structures than those shown in FIG. 1.Moreover, gaming machine 100 may employ different methods of operationthan those described below.

In the exemplary embodiment, gaming machine 100 includes a cabinet 102configured to house a plurality of components, such as a gaming machinecontroller, peripheral devices, presentation devices, and playerinteraction devices. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, gamingmachine 100 includes a plurality of switches and/or buttons 104 that arecoupled to a front 106 of cabinet 102. Buttons 104 may be used to startplay of a base or bonus game. One button 104 may be a “Bet One” buttonthat enables the player to place a bet or to increase a bet. Anotherbutton 104 may be a “Bet Max” button that enables the player to bet amaximum permitted wager. Yet another button 104 may be a “Cash Out”button that enables the player to receive a cash payment or othersuitable form of payment, such as a ticket or voucher, which correspondsto a number of remaining credits.

In the exemplary embodiment, gaming machine 100 also includes a coinacceptor 108 for accepting coins and/or tokens, and a bill acceptor 110for accepting and/or validating cash bills, coupons, and/or ticketvouchers 112. Bill acceptor 110 may also be capable of printing tickets112. Furthermore, in some embodiments, bill acceptor 110 includes a cardreader or validator for use with credit cards, debit cards,identification cards, and/or smart cards. The cards accepted by billacceptor 110 may include a magnetic strip and/or a preprogrammedmicrochip that includes a player's identification, credit totals, andany other relevant information that may be used. Moreover, in theexemplary embodiment, gaming machine 100 includes one or morepresentation devices 114. Presentation devices 114 are mounted tocabinet 102, and may include a base presentation device for displaying abase game and a bonus presentation device for displaying a bonus orbonus game. Presentation devices 114 may include, without limitation, aplasma display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a display based on lightemitting diodes (LEDs), organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), polymerlight emitting diodes (PLEDs), and/or surface-conduction electronemitters (SEDs), a speaker, an alarm, and/or any other device capable ofpresenting information to a user.

In an exemplary embodiment, presentation device 114 is used to displayone or more game image, symbols and indicia such as a visualrepresentation or exhibition of movement of an object such as amechanical, virtual, or video reel, dynamic lighting, video images, andthe like. In an alternative embodiment, presentation device 114 displaysimages and indicia using mechanical means. For example, presentationdevice 114 may include an electromechanical device, such as one or morerotatable reels, to display a plurality of game or other suitableimages, symbols, or indicia.

In one embodiment, gaming machine 100 randomly generates game outcomesusing probability data. For example, each game outcome is associatedwith one or more probability values that are used by gaming machine 100to determine the game output to be displayed. Such a random calculationmay be provided by a random number generator, such as a true randomnumber generator (RNG), a pseudo-random number generator (PNG), or anyother suitable randomization process.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary electricalarchitecture 200 that may be used with gaming machine 100. In theexemplary embodiment, gaming machine 100 includes a gaming machinecontroller 202 having a processor 204 communicatively coupled a memoryarea 206. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, processor 204 andmemory area 206 reside within cabinet 102 (shown in FIG. 1) and may becollectively referred to herein as a “computer” or “controller.” Gamingmachine 100 is configurable and/or programmable to perform one or moreoperations described herein by programming processor 204. For example,processor 204 may be programmed by encoding an operation as one or moreexecutable instructions and providing the executable instructions inmemory area 206.

Controller 202 communicates with one or more other gaming machines 100or other suitable devices via a communication interface 208. Processor204 may be a microprocessor, a microcontroller-based platform, asuitable integrated circuit, and/or one or more application-specificintegrated circuits (ASICs). However, the above examples are exemplaryonly, and thus are not intended to limit in any way the definitionand/or meaning of the term “processor.”

Memory area 206 stores program code and instructions, executable byprocessor 204, for controlling gaming machine 100. For example, memoryarea 206 stores data such as image data, event data, player input data,random or pseudo-random number generation software, pay table data,and/or other information or applicable game rules that relate to gameplay on gaming machine 100. Moreover, memory area 206 may include one ormore forms of memory. For example, memory area 206 can include randomaccess memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, and/orelectrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). In someembodiments, other suitable magnetic, optical, and/orsemiconductor-based memory may be included in memory area 206 by itselfor in combination.

In the exemplary embodiment, gaming machine 100 includes a creditdisplay 210, which displays a player's current number of credits, cash,account balance or the equivalent. Gaming machine 100 also includes abet display 212 which displays a player's amount wagered. Credit display210 and bet display 212 may be standalone displays independent ofpresentation device 114, or credit display 210 and bet display 212 maybe incorporated into presentation device 114.

Moreover, in an exemplary embodiment, presentation device 114 iscontrolled by controller 202. In some embodiments, presentation device114 includes a touch screen 214 and an associated touch screencontroller 216. A video controller 218 is communicatively coupled tocontroller 202 and touch screen controller 216 to enable a player toinput game play decisions into gaming machine 100 via touch screen 214.Furthermore, gaming machine 100 includes one or more communication ports220 that enable controller 202 to communicate with external peripheraldevices (not shown) such as, but not limited to, external video sources,expansion buses, game or other displays, a SCSI port, or a key pad.

Furthermore, and in the exemplary embodiment, controller 202 isprogrammed to execute one or more free plays when one or more free playtrigger conditions are satisfied, and to present consecutively ascendingfree play outcomes. For example, when at least one free play outcome isassociated with a payout, controller 202 may cause presentation device114 to present a free play bonus mode (e.g., a red screen) and topresent each winning free play outcome in the free play bonus mode.

FIG. 3 is a block schematic diagram of an exemplary gaming system 300that includes a plurality of gaming machines 100. Each gaming machine100 is coupled via communication interface 208 to one or more servers,such as a gaming server 302, using a network 304. Gaming server 302includes a processor (not shown) that facilitates data communicationbetween each gaming machine 100 and other components of gaming system300. Such data is stored in, for example, a memory area 306, such as adatabase, that is coupled to gaming server 302.

As described above, gaming machines 100 may include video bingomachines, video poker machines, video slot machines, and/or othersimilar gaming machines that implement alternative games. Moreover,gaming machines 100 may be terminal-based machines, wherein the actualgames, including random number generation and/or outcome determination,are performed at gaming server 302. In such an embodiment, gamingmachine 100 displays results of the game via presentation device 114(shown in FIGS. 1 and 2).

Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, gaming system 300 includes aconfiguration workstation 308 that includes a user interface thatenables an administrator to set up and/or to modify portions of gamingsystem 300 and/or gaming server 302. Gaming server 302 may perform aplurality of functions including, for example, game outcome generation,player tracking functions, and/or accounting functions. However, inalternative embodiments, gaming system 300 may include a plurality ofservers that separately perform these functions and/or any suitablefunction for use in a network-based gaming system. In some embodiments,gaming server 302 controls bonus applications or bonus systems thataward bonus (e.g., base play bonuses and/or free plays) opportunities ongaming system 300. Moreover, gaming server 302 may include a set ofrules for awarding jackpots in excess of those established by winningpay tables (not shown) of each gaming machine 100. Some bonus awards maybe awarded randomly, while other bonus awards may be made to groups ofgaming machines 100 operating in a progressive jackpot mode.

Moreover, in some embodiments, gaming server 302 tracks data of playersusing gaming machines 100, and also controls elements (e.g., messagesand/or bonus modes) that appear on presentation device 114 of gamingmachines 100. For example, gaming server 302 can store physicalcharacteristics of players, such as, but not limited to, the player age.Gaming server 302 can also store data related to the players and trackedusing player tracking identification, such as a player card. Moreover,gaming server 302 can store information and data about the player suchas loyalty points, player address, phone number, and/or any informationthat may be retrieved and transmitted to gaming machines 100. In someembodiments, gaming server 302 stores and tracks information such as,but not limited to, the average amount of wager played at gaming machine100. Moreover, gaming server 302 can track an average amount of wagersby the player, any funds the player may have in an account, and datarelating to reportable events. Such data is associated with individualplayers and logged using a taxable accrual log.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart 400 that illustrates an exemplary method forpresenting consecutive ascending awards during game play at gamingmachine 100 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, in theexemplary embodiment, while presenting a non-bonus, or “base,” game,controller 202 receives 402 a base play input (e.g., via a button 104and/or presentation device 114). For example, the base play input mayinclude a “bet placed” and/or a “start play” action.

Controller 202 executes 404 one or more base plays, creating base playoutcomes that each correspond to an executed base play (e.g., reel stopsin a sequence of reels may be spun, instantiated or pulled in order tocreate base play outcomes). In exemplary embodiments, executing 404 abase play includes selecting a combination of game symbols (e.g., usingan RNG or a PNG) and determining whether the selected combination isassociated with a payout based on a base play pay table.

In the exemplary embodiment, controller 202 calculates 406 whether abase play game has resulted in a win. If there is not a win, controller202 causes the game to end at 428. If there is a win, controller 202initiates 408 another reel spin and determines 412 whether the winsatisfies a bonus qualifying condition or not. In one embodiment,controller 202 randomly chooses (e.g., using an RNG or a PNG) whether togenerate a bonus (bonus) game. In other words, controller 202 may use aRNG or PNG to generate a random binary value, such that a positive value(or heads, or 1) triggers a bonus game, whereas a negative value (ortails, or 0) does not trigger a bonus game. Although the trigger israndom, controller 202 is configured, in one embodiment, to add a weightvalue to the random number in order to achieve a specific outcome. Forexample, controller 202 is configured to add a larger weight value tothe probability of the bonus game being triggered if the player betsmore, if the number of games played exceeds a certain threshold, if atrigger has not occurred in a predefined amount of time, or the like.Similarly, the likelihood of a trigger may be weighted towards a lowerprobability of occurrence if a bonus game has just taken place in apredefined number of immediately preceding spins, if the player did notplay a maximum bet, if there has been a predefined number of consecutivenumber of free spins already given out, or the like. Similarly, if thebase game's award happens to be the highest payout award (e.g., aTop-level Jackpot), then controller 202 is configured to prevent bonusfree spins from occurring, thus ending the base game itself without anybonus game. In the example embodiment, by controlling the weight of thetriggering condition, the characteristics of the game can thus be shapedto fit certain player demographics (e.g., to achieve a certain gamevolatility desired by the designer).

Thus, if it was not a bonus qualifying win, the game ends 428. If it wasa bonus qualifying win, controller 402 determines 414 that there will bebonus game spins. In exemplary embodiments, the possibility and numberof bonus spins is determined using a RNG or PNG.

If the RNG/PNG generates outcomes leading to one or more bonus spins,controller 202 loads 416 bonus reels to begin bonus spins. Controller202 executes 418 one or more bonus plays, creating bonus play outcomesthat each correspond to an executed bonus play (e.g., reel stops in asequence of reels may be spun, instantiated or pulled in order to createbase play outcomes). In exemplary embodiments, executing a bonus playincludes selecting a combination of game symbols (e.g., using an RNG ora PNG) and determining whether the selected combination is associatedwith a payout based on a bonus play pay table. In the exampleembodiment, controller 202 is configured to be able to choose the numberand type of symbols in the bonus game. The number of symbols and type ofsymbols may vary by bonus game.

Moreover, controller 202 is configured to vary the frequency ofoccurrence of specific symbols. In one embodiment, both the base andbonus (free-spin) games share the same symbols and pay table. Othervariations are feasible to achieve other game-feels. For example, thesymbol set for the bonus game may be the same as the base game, but thequantity of winning symbols on each reel may be increased, allowing fora higher win frequency. Similarly, the quantity of the bonus gamesymbols may be uniformly scaled to be proportionately less than that ofa base game, and that would also result in a higher hit frequency.Special symbols can also be inserted into the bonus game to give betterpay outs, or certain symbol combinations that only pay in the bonusgame, etc. In other embodiments, the pay tables may be different betweena base and a bonus game.

Controller 202 calculates 420 a winning outcome from the bonus game. Inone embodiment, if the winning outcome is less than the outcome from theprevious play execution (e.g., reel spins) at 422, controller 202 isconfigured to spin the reels again. For example, controller 202 maygenerate a random number using a RNG or PNG and use the random number tocalculate the outcome of a reel spin. Controller 202 is configured togenerate a random number, calculate a current outcome, compare thecurrent outcome to the previous outcome (i.e., from the reel spinimmediately preceding the current spin) and repeat the random numbergeneration if the current outcome is lesser in quantity compared to theprevious outcome. For example, if the previous outcome resulted in a winawarding the player ten credits, controller 202 will generate randomnumbers for the current outcome until the current outcome results in tenor more credits.

Controller 202 is also configured to adjust 423 the duration of thebonus game. More specifically, controller 202 is configured to adjustthe probable number of future spins at each free spin in the bonus game.For example, after Free Spin 1, controller 202 generates a random numberusing a RNG/PNG, multiplies it by a specific integer factor andtruncates any decimal portion to arrive at a whole number of future freespins. In one embodiment, the number of future free spins may also belimited to within a range of 0 through 10. Assume that the number offuture free spins is greater than zero, i.e., at least 1, thereforethere will be another free spin. So controller 202 executes Free Spin 2.At the execution of Free Spin 2, controller 202 is configured togenerate a new random number using a RNG/PNG, multiply the new randomnumber by the specific integer factor, truncate any decimal portion andarrive at a new whole number of future free spins. If the new wholenumber is non-zero, there will be at least one more free spin.

If the current outcome of a free spin is equal to or greater than theprevious outcome, controller 202 is configured to execute 424 anotherbonus play (e.g., another reel spin). Controller 202 checks 426 to seeif a termination condition is met (e.g., a certain number of bonusspins, a timing condition, a maximum reward condition, etc.). If thetermination condition is not met at 426, controller 202 is configured torepeat the execution of a bonus play from step 414, proceeding to load416 bonus reels, execute 418 bonus play reel spins, and so on. Once thetermination condition is met at 426, controller 202 is configured tocause 428 the game to end and signal to the player that the game hasended.

As noted, the bonus ending condition terminates the bonus free-spin gameat 426. Similar the bonus qualifying condition, the bonus endingcondition is also randomly determined, weighted by certain criteria. Forexample, if the quantity of free spin games has exceeded a definedthreshold, the additional free games will be weighted such thatadditional free games are increasingly less likely, etc. Similarly, thelikelihood of obtaining a free game may increase with higher bet amount,with the amount of time passed without a bonus game, with the quantityof base game played exceeded a design threshold, and the like. If a freespin resulted in, for example, a top Jackpot payout, the bonus gameterminates. If multiple progressive levels (e.g., copper, silver, gold,platinum levels) are involved, the bonus game may or may not terminate,depending on the system design.

In another embodiment, controller 202 is configured to apply method 400to a group of gaming devices, or eligible game devices. Eligibility maybe a requirement across multiple game devices or on each individualmachine separately (e.g., all participating machines must accumulate aspecific number of games within a predefined period, or each machinemust make maximum bets for a predefined number of consecutive games, oreach eligible machine will be randomly chosen, etc.). Controller 202 isconfigured to execute a group bonus game at specific time intervals(e.g., every 5 minutes, random time, etc.), or when there are asufficient number of eligible participating machines. The gamegeneration and sorting mechanics remains the same, but controller 202 isalso configured to present the game to each player in his or her localgame theme (whichever game theme each is playing). Additionally,controller 202 is configured to scale the rewards proportionately toeach game's denomination (e.g., using bet equalization).

Otherwise, based on determining 415 that no base play bonus triggercondition is satisfied, controller 202 determines 430 whether one ormore free play trigger conditions are satisfied. In some embodiments, afree play trigger condition is satisfied whenever controller 202determines 415 that no base play bonus trigger condition is satisfied.In addition, or alternative to, controller 202 may determine 430 that afree play trigger condition is satisfied by generating a random number(e.g., using an RNG or a PNG) and determining that the random number iswithin a predetermined range. As another example, controller 202 maydetermine 430 that a free play trigger condition is satisfied bydetermining that a base play outcome is associated with a predeterminedsymbol combination. As a further example, controller 202 may determine430 that a free play trigger condition is satisfied by determining thatthe quantity of credits (e.g., money) deposited in gaming machine 100exceeds a predetermined “coin-in” threshold value. The coin-in thresholdvalue may be defined as a quantity of credits, as a quantity of creditswithin a predetermined amount of time (e.g., thirty minutes), and/or asa quantity of credits within a single session of game play (e.g., by oneplayer at one gaming machine 100). Any quantity of free play triggerconditions may be defined and stored in memory area 206.

As described above, in exemplary embodiments, controller 202 enables abase play bonus or a free play bonus, but not both. Alternatively,controller 202 may allow both a base play bonus and a free play bonus.In some embodiments, controller 202 determines 430 whether any free playtrigger condition is satisfied even after determining 415 that a baseplay bonus trigger condition is satisfied.

Some embodiments facilitate providing a free play bonus to a group ofgaming machines 100. In such embodiments, controller 202 may determine430 that a free play trigger condition is satisfied by receiving (e.g.,via communication interface 208) a free play notification from anothergaming machine 100 and/or from a gaming server 302 (shown in FIG. 3), asdescribed in more detail below. Further, controller 202 may transmit 435a free play notification, indicating that the free play triggercondition is satisfied, to another gaming machine 100 and/or to a gamingserver 302.

Controller 202 executes 440 one or more free plays based on a free playtrigger condition being satisfied to create one or more free playoutcomes. In exemplary embodiments, controller 202 determines whethereach free play outcome is associated with a payout based on a free playpay table. The free play pay table may be the same as or different fromthe base play pay table. Free play outcomes associated with a payout areconsidered winning free play outcomes, whereas free play outcomes thatare not associated with a payout are considered non-winning free playoutcomes. In one embodiment, controller 202 discards non-winning freeplay outcomes. In another embodiment, non-winning free play outcomes arepreserved.

In some embodiments, controller 202 executes 410 base plays using a baseplay pay table and executes 440 free plays based using a free play paytable that is different from the base play pay table. For example, thebase play table may associate payouts with one set of symbolcombinations, and the free play table may associate payouts with adifferent set of symbol combinations. As another example, base playexecution 410 and the corresponding base play pay table may beassociated with a set of base play symbols, whereas free play execution440 and the corresponding free play pay table may be associated a set offree play symbols. In addition, or alternative to, the free play paytable may include a proportion of winning play outcomes that is higherthan the proportion of winning play outcomes in the base play pay table.Further, the free play pay table may include winning play outcomes thathave an average payout that is lower than or higher than the averagepayout of winning play outcomes in the base play pay table.

In some embodiments, when any free play trigger condition is satisfied,controller 202 executes 440 a predetermined quantity (e.g., three, five,or seven) of free plays. In other embodiments, controller 202 determines437 the quantity of free plays to execute 440 based on a minimumquantity of free plays, a maximum quantity of free plays, and a randomnumber (e.g., generated using an RNG or a PNG). In the exemplaryembodiment, controller 202 stores (e.g., in memory area 206) a weightedtable that includes a plurality of free play quantities, each of whichis associated with a weight. For example, quantities of 3, 4, 5, 6, and7 may be associated with weights 97%, 93%, 87%, 75%, and 50%,respectively. Controller 202 generates a random number (e.g., between 0and 1) and converts the random number into a percentage, such as bymultiplying the random number by 100 and discarding the non-integralportion of the product (e.g., by calculating the product modulo 100).Such an embodiment enables a non-uniform occurrence rate for theavailable free play quantities. For example, as illustrated above, aquantity of three free plays may be selected more frequently as aquantity of four free plays is selected.

In the exemplary embodiment, controller 202 stores 445 winning and/ornon-winning free play outcomes (e.g., in memory area 206). Stored freeplay outcomes may be later included in a report created by controller202. For example, controller 202 may create an audit report thatincludes events (e.g., plays and play outcomes) that have occurred atgaming machine 100 over a period of time.

Controller 202 presents 420 any base play outcomes and also presents 425any base play bonuses. If controller 202 has executed 440 free playsbased on a free play retrigger condition being satisfied, as describedbelow, it is possible that no base play outcomes or base play bonuseswill exist for presentation 420 and 425.

When a winning free play outcome exists (i.e., at least one free playoutcome is a winning free play outcome), controller 202 presents 450(e.g., via presentation device 114) the winning free play outcomes. Ifno free plays have been executed 440 (e.g., due to no free play triggercondition being satisfied), it follows that no winning free playoutcomes exist.

In some embodiments, controller 202 presents 447 (e.g., via presentationdevice 114) a free play bonus mode when at least one free play outcomeis a winning free play outcome and presents 450 the winning free playoutcomes in the free play bonus mode. For example, the free play bonusmode may include a graphical distinction from the base play mode and/ora predetermined free play bonus sound. In the exemplary embodiment,controller 202 presents 447 the free play bonus mode by displaying a redscreen (e.g., a red background) via presentation device 114. Free playinformation, such as symbols selected by controller 202 during execution440 of a free play, may be overlaid on the red screen. In the exemplaryembodiment, if no winning free play outcomes exist, controller 202 doesnot present 447 the free play bonus mode.

Some embodiments facilitate presenting 450 winning free play outcomesaccording to a predetermined sequence. In such embodiments, prior topresenting 450 winning free play outcomes, controller 202 sorts 448 thewinning free play outcomes. For example, controller 202 may sort 448 thewinning free play outcomes in a sequence that is based on the associatedpayouts (e.g., increasing payout amounts). In the exemplary embodiment,such sorting 448 is possible because free plays are executed 440 priorto presentation 450.

As described above, free plays may be executed 440 based on one or morefree play trigger conditions being satisfied during base play.Optionally, free plays may be “retriggered” during free play. In someembodiments, after presentation 450 of any winning free play outcomes,controller 202 determines 455 whether one or more free play retriggerconditions are satisfied.

Free play retrigger conditions may be similar to free play triggerconditions. For example, free play retrigger conditions may be based ona random number, one or more predetermined symbols or symbolcombinations, and/or the quantity of credits deposited in gaming machine100 (also known as “coin-in”), as described above with reference todetermining 430 whether a free play trigger condition is satisfiedduring base play. In addition, or alternative to, free play retriggerconditions may be specific to free play. For example, the probability ofretrigger free play based on a random number may be lower or higher thanthe probability of triggering free play based on a random number.Similarly, a free play retrigger condition and a free play triggercondition may be associated with different coin-in threshold values.Further, free play retrigger symbol combinations may be different fromfree play trigger conditions.

When controller 202 determines 455 that a free play retrigger conditionis satisfied, controller 202 proceeds as if a free play triggercondition was determined 430 to be satisfied. For example, controller202 executes 440 one or more free plays, as described above, optionallytransmitting 435 a free play notification and/or determining 437 thequantity of free plays. The quantity of free plays for a free playretrigger may be determined 437 using a set of available quantitiesand/or a weighted table that are different from those used in responseto a free play trigger during base play.

In some embodiments, controller 202 determines 455 that a free playretrigger condition is satisfied based on first free play outcomes andthen executes 440 one or more free plays based on the free playretrigger condition to create one or more second free play outcomes. Ifanother retrigger occurs, controller 202 may create third free playoutcomes, and so on.

Some embodiments facilitate game play among a plurality of gamingmachines 100. For example, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, gaming server 302may be configured to determine 430 that a free play trigger condition issatisfied and to transmit 435 a free play notification to one or moregaming machines 100. The free play notification indicates that the freeplay trigger condition is satisfied.

Gaming server 302 may determine 430 that the free play trigger conditionis satisfied as described above (e.g., based on a random number, arandom time, a predetermined symbol combination, and/or coin-in). Forexample, gaming server 302 may generate a random number and determine430 that the free play trigger condition is satisfied when the randomnumber is within a predetermined range. As another example, gamingserver 302 may calculate a total quantity of credits deposited (e.g.,coin-in) among gaming machines 100 (e.g., a quantity of credits, aquantity of credits within a predetermined amount of time, and/or aquantity of credits within a single session of game play).

In addition, or alternative to, a gaming machine 100 may transmit 435 afree play notification to gaming server 302. Gaming server 302determines 430 that a free play trigger condition is satisfied based onthe received free play notification and transmits 435 (e.g., forwards)the free play trigger condition to one or more other gaming machines100. In some embodiments, a gaming machine 100 transmits 435 a free playnotification directly to at least one other gaming machine 100.

In such embodiments, gaming machines 100 receive a free playnotification from gaming server 302 and/or from another gaming machine100. Gaming machines 100 determine 430 that a free play triggercondition is satisfied based on the received free play notification,execute 440 free plays and present 450 winning free play outcomes, asdescribed above, optionally in a free play bonus mode.

The quantity of free plays may be determined 437 by gaming server 302and/or by one or more gaming machines 100 (e.g., based on a minimumquantity of free plays, a maximum quantity of free plays, and a randomnumber). Further, where gaming server 302 determines 437 the quantity offree plays or received the quantity of free plays from a gaming machine100, gaming server 302 may transmit the determined quantity to one ormore other gaming machines 100, which execute 440 the determinedquantity of free plays to create the determined quantity of free playoutcomes.

Exemplary embodiments of systems and methods for presenting winning freeplay outcomes are described herein. The systems and methods are notlimited to the specific embodiments described herein but, rather,operations of the methods and/or components of the system and/orapparatus may be utilized independently and separately from otheroperations and/or components described herein. Further, the describedoperations and/or components may also be defined in, or used incombination with, other systems, methods, and/or apparatus, and are notlimited to practice with only the systems, methods, and storage media asdescribed herein.

A computer, controller, or server, such as those described herein,includes at least one processor or processing unit and a system memory.The computer, controller, or server typically has at least some form ofcomputer readable media. By way of example and not limitation, computerreadable media include computer storage media and communication media.Computer storage media include volatile and nonvolatile, removable andnon-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storageof information such as computer readable instructions, data structures,program modules, or other data. Communication media typically embodycomputer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, orother data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or othertransport mechanism and include any information delivery media. Thoseskilled in the art are familiar with the modulated data signal, whichhas one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manneras to encode information in the signal. Combinations of any of the aboveare also included within the scope of computer readable media.

Although the present invention is described in connection with anexemplary gaming system environment, embodiments of the invention areoperational with numerous other general purpose or special purposegaming system environments or configurations. The gaming systemenvironment is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope ofuse or functionality of any aspect of the invention. Moreover, thegaming system environment should not be interpreted as having anydependency or requirement relating to any one or combination ofcomponents illustrated in the exemplary operating environment.

Embodiments of the invention may be described in the general context ofcomputer-executable instructions, such as program components or modules,executed by one or more computers or other devices. Aspects of theinvention may be implemented with any number and organization ofcomponents or modules. For example, aspects of the invention are notlimited to the specific computer-executable instructions or the specificcomponents or modules illustrated in the figures and described herein.Alternative embodiments of the invention may include differentcomputer-executable instructions or components having more or lessfunctionality than illustrated and described herein.

The order of execution or performance of the operations in theembodiments of the invention illustrated and described herein is notessential, unless otherwise specified. That is, the operations may beperformed in any order, unless otherwise specified, and embodiments ofthe invention may include additional or fewer operations than thosedisclosed herein. For example, it is contemplated that executing orperforming a particular operation before, contemporaneously with, orafter another operation is within the scope of aspects of the invention.

In some embodiments, the term “database” refers generally to anycollection of data including hierarchical databases, relationaldatabases, flat file databases, object-relational databases, objectoriented databases, and any other structured collection of records ordata that is stored in a computer system. The above examples areexemplary only, and thus are not intended to limit in any way thedefinition and/or meaning of the term database. Examples of databasesinclude, but are not limited to only including, Oracle® Database, MySQL,IBM® DB2, Microsoft® SQL Server, Sybase®, and PostgreSQL. However, anydatabase may be used that enables the systems and methods describedherein. (Oracle is a registered trademark of Oracle Corporation, RedwoodShores, Calif.; IBM is a registered trademark of International BusinessMachines Corporation, Armonk, N.Y.; Microsoft is a registered trademarkof Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Wash.; and Sybase is a registeredtrademark of Sybase, Dublin, Calif.)

When introducing elements of aspects of the invention or embodimentsthereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to meanthat there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,”including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean thatthere may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal language of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A gaming machine comprising: a non-transitorymemory device; a presentation device; and a processor coupled to thenon-transitory memory device and the presentation device, and programmedto: determine that a bonus play trigger condition is satisfied based onan execution of a base game resulting in a base play outcome of aplurality of base play outcomes; execute a free play of a plurality offree plays based on the bonus play trigger condition to create a freeplay outcome of a plurality of free play outcomes; determine that a freeplay termination trigger condition is met; execute an additional freeplay of the plurality of free plays if the free play termination triggercondition is not met to create an additional free play outcome;terminate the free play game if it is determined that the free playtermination trigger condition is met; sort, in ascending order, thepayout amount of the free game outcomes, discarding the non-winningoutcomes; and display, on the presentation device, results associatedwith the sorted free play outcomes.
 2. A gaming machine in accordancewith claim 1, wherein said processor is further programmed to: display,on the presentation device, one or more symbols of a plurality ofsymbols representing at least one of the plurality of base play outcomesand the plurality of free play outcomes; and display, on thepresentation device, a free play bonus mode that enables the player toexecute the plurality of free plays.
 3. A gaming machine in accordancewith claim 1, wherein each free play outcome of the plurality of freeplay outcomes is associated with a payout, said presentation device isconfigured to present each free play outcome in a sequence that is basedon the associated payouts.
 4. A gaming machine in accordance with claim1, wherein said processor is further programmed to update theprobability of additional free plays based on one or more of: an amountwagered by the player, a number of base games played, a number of bonusgames played, a time duration between successive instances of the bonusplay trigger condition being satisfied, a cumulative amount won by theplayer, an appearance of one or more symbols, and a mean play-timeweight.
 5. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 1, furthercomprising a communication interface coupled to said processor, whereinsaid processor is further programmed to determine that a first free playtrigger condition is satisfied by receiving, via said communicationinterface, a first free play notification from at least one of a gamingserver and another gaming machine.
 6. A gaming machine in accordancewith claim 1, wherein said processor is further programmed to: determinea quantity of free plays based on a minimum quantity of free plays, amaximum quantity of free plays, and a random number; and execute thedetermined quantity of free plays to create the determined quantity offree play outcomes.
 7. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 1,wherein the processor is further programmed to use a first number and afirst type of gaming symbols in the base game that are different from asecond number and a second type of gaming symbols in the bonus game. 8.A gaming machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein said processor isfurther programmed to apply a weight value to a probability of the bonusplay trigger condition being satisfied wherein the weight value appliedis directly proportional to (i) the amount wagered by the player, (ii) anumber of base games played, and (iii) a preceding time duration inwhich the bonus play trigger condition has not been satisfied.
 9. Amethod for use with a gaming machine, the gaming machine comprising aprocessor, a presentation device, and a non-transitory memory devicecoupled to said processor, said method comprising: determining that abonus play trigger condition is satisfied based on an execution of abase game resulting in a base play outcome of a plurality of base playoutcomes; executing a free play of a plurality of free plays based onthe bonus play trigger condition to create a free play outcome of aplurality of free play outcomes; determining that a free playtermination trigger condition is met; executing an additional free playof the plurality of free plays if the free play termination triggercondition is not met to create an additional free play outcome;terminating the free play game if it is determined that the free playtermination trigger condition is met; sorting, in ascending order, thepayout amount of the free game outcomes, discarding the non-winningoutcomes; and displaying, on the presentation device, results associatedwith the sorted free play outcomes.
 10. A method in accordance withclaim 9, further comprising: displaying, on the presentation device, oneor more symbols of a plurality of symbols representing at least one ofthe plurality of base play outcomes and the plurality of free playoutcomes; and displaying, on the presentation device, a free play bonusmode that enables the player to execute the plurality of free plays. 11.A method in accordance with claim 9, wherein each free play outcome ofthe plurality of free play outcomes is associated with a payout, saidpresentation device is configured to present each free play outcome in asequence that is based on the associated payouts.
 12. A method inaccordance with claim 9, wherein updating the probability of additionalfree plays further comprises updating the probability based on one ormore of: an amount wagered by the player, a number of base games played,a number of bonus games played, a time duration between successiveinstances of the bonus play trigger condition being satisfied, acumulative amount won by the player, an appearance of one or moresymbols, and a mean play-time weight.
 13. A method in accordance withclaim 9, wherein a communication interface is coupled to said processor,further comprising determining that a first free play trigger conditionis satisfied by receiving, via said communication interface, a firstfree play notification from at least one of a gaming server and anothergaming machine.
 14. A method in accordance with claim 9, furthercomprising: determining a quantity of free plays based on a minimumquantity of free plays, a maximum quantity of free plays, and a randomnumber; and executing the determined quantity of free plays to createthe determined quantity of free play outcomes.
 15. A method inaccordance with claim 9, further comprising using a first number and afirst type of gaming symbols in the base game that are different from asecond number and a second type of gaming symbols in the bonus game. 16.A method in accordance with claim 9, further comprising applying aweight value to a probability of the bonus play trigger condition beingsatisfied wherein the weight value applied is directly proportional to(i) the amount wagered by the player, (ii) a number of base gamesplayed, and (iii) a preceding time duration in which the bonus playtrigger condition has not been satisfied.
 17. A gaming systemcomprising: a gaming machine including a presentation device; and agaming server configured to: determine that a bonus play triggercondition is satisfied based on an execution of a base game by a playerresulting in a base play outcome of a plurality of base play outcomes;determine that a bonus play trigger condition is satisfied based on anexecution of a base game resulting in a base play outcome of a pluralityof base play outcomes; execute a free play of a plurality of free playsbased on the bonus play trigger condition to create a free play outcomeof a plurality of free play outcomes; determine that a free playtermination trigger condition is met; execute an additional free play ofthe plurality of free plays if the free play termination triggercondition is not met to create an additional free play outcome;terminate the free play game if it is determined that the free playtermination trigger condition is met; sort, in ascending order, thepayout amount of the free game outcomes, discarding the non-winningoutcomes; and display, on the presentation device, results associatedwith the sorted free play outcomes.
 18. A gaming system in accordancewith claim 17, wherein said gaming server is further configured to:cause said gaming machine to display, on the presentation device, one ormore symbols of a plurality of symbols representing at least one of theplurality of base play outcomes and the plurality of free play outcomes;and cause said gaming machine to display, on the presentation device, afree play bonus mode that enables the player to execute the plurality offree plays.
 19. A gaming system in accordance with claim 18, whereinsaid gaming server is further configured to update the probability ofadditional free plays based on one or more of: an amount wagered by theplayer, a number of base games played, a number of bonus games played, atime duration between successive instances of the bonus play triggercondition being satisfied, a cumulative amount won by the player, anappearance of one or more symbols, and a mean play-time weight.
 20. Agaming system in accordance with claim 17, wherein said gaming server isfurther configured to use a first number and a first type of gamingsymbols in the base game that are different from a second number and asecond type of gaming symbols in the bonus game.
 21. A gaming system inaccordance with claim 17, wherein said gaming server is furtherconfigured to: generate a random number; and determine that the freeplay trigger condition is satisfied when the random number is within apredetermined range.
 22. A gaming system in accordance with claim 17,wherein said gaming server is further configured to: determine aquantity of free plays based on a minimum quantity of free plays, amaximum quantity of free plays, and a random number; and transmit thedetermined quantity to said gaming machine, wherein said gaming machineis configured to execute the determined quantity of free plays to createthe determined quantity of free play outcomes.
 23. A gaming system inaccordance with claim 17, wherein said gaming machine is a first gamingmachine of a plurality of gaming machines, and wherein each of theplurality of gaming machines is configured to apply a weight value to aprobability of the bonus play trigger condition being satisfied whereinthe weight value applied is directly proportional to (i) the amountwagered by the player, (ii) a number of base games played, and (iii) apreceding time duration in which the bonus play trigger condition hasnot been satisfied.